One of my favorite subjects to write about is baseball. I wrote this little essay shortly after Ernie passed away 11 years ago. He had a wonderful impact on my life and will be missed. I have a couple baseball poems I’ll post around MLB Opening Day.
Memories of Ernie Harwell
As I look back upon my life, there are few people I could listen to for several hours without objection: my pastor, Walter Cronkite, Paul Harvey, and Ernie Harwell. Of the four, it was Ernie who evoked the most emotion and unforgettable memories that I will forever cherish.
(January 25, 1918–May 4, 2010)
Ron LeFlore swiping bases, Tram and Sweet Lou turning two, Morris pitching another gem, and Big Cecil smashing another long-gone home run, are only a few of the many pictures that are embedded in my mind, from the countless days and nights of listening to Ernie’s play-by-play on the radio. Throughout the years of my youth and well into my adult life, it was Ernie Harwell’s influence that helped shape me into the devoted Detroit Tigers fan I am today.
When my mom thought I was in my bedroom doing my homework or sleeping comfy in my bed, I was secretly listening to Ernie on my little transistor radio. I remember the sudden fear I often felt, after waking up in the morning and realizing that Ernie’s familiar voice, once again, had gently put me to sleep with the radio still on. Explaining to my mother why I needed yet another 9V battery was never an easy task. (I apologize to Duracell for Mom not believing that they had the longest-running battery on the market. In her defense, I must confess: It was Ernie’s fault!)
The 1984 Tigers’ season is my favorite sport memory. Roaring off to a 35-5 start, my beloved Tigers ran away with the pennant, eventually winning the World Series in five games over the San Diego Padres. I never complained if the Tigers were not on TV, for I knew I could always catch the game on WJR AM 760 with Ernie. Although I admit that I watched most games and all the post-season on T.V, I also rushed to turn on the radio after those same games to catch Ernie’s recap and to share in the sincere enthusiasm and pure enjoyment with the biggest Tigers fan I knew.
I never met Ernie, but I felt that I knew him personally. He was there for many pick-up games, summer cookouts, trips to the beach and even family vacations. He was and always will be part of my family. If there is baseball in heaven, without a doubt, it is Ernie who will be doing the broadcasting. I know I speak for thousands of fans that all feel the same across our great state – Ernie was truly a Michigan icon.
The impeccable character that Ernie always demonstrated, even if the Tigers were struggling to win games, is what I admired most about the man. In a world where too often people turn their backs on each other because of mistakes and unfulfilled personal expectations, Ernie always remained faithful.
Whether the Tigers are fighting to win the pennant or clawing out from the cellar, I will follow Ernie’s example and cheer, “Go Tigers!”
© David Ritter
Who did you listen to while growing up?
Who is your favorite team?